Morning: Arrive at Yosemite Valley and park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge parking lot to pick up your campsite permit. Set up camp at the North Pines Campground near the Merced River. The morning light highlights the iconic Tunnel View for an early photo.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail to stretch legs and spot wildlife. Enjoy a cost‑friendly picnic by the South Fork Merced River while listening to the rushing water.
Evening: Settle into camp for a sunset view at Tunnel View, where the valley glows in gold. Enjoy a campfire dinner and stargazing at the campsite.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the Sentinel Dome trailhead (parking at Yosemite Valley visitor center). Hike to the dome’s summit for panoramic sunrise over the valley.
Afternoon: Walk from Sentinel Dome to the Taft Point Trailhead (same parking). Enjoy the spectacular vistas and possible cliff jumping at the cliff’s edge (if conditions allow). Return to North Camps for a short rest.
Evening: Sunset at Olmsted Point provides a stunning view of the High Sierra. Return to camp for a relaxing evening.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the Glacier Point Trailhead (parking at the Glacier Point parking lot). Hike the Glacier Point Trail for a breathtaking sunrise over the valley.
Afternoon: Continue on the Panorama Trail from Glacier Point to the iconic Vernal and Nevada Falls. Enjoy a cost‑free hike and potential wildlife sightings.
Evening: Sunset at Glacier Point again, this time seeing the sunset illuminate Half Dome. Return to North Camps for dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Park at the Happy Isles parking lot for the Mist Trail. Hike to Mist Falls, catching the morning mist and possible rainbow.
Afternoon: Continue up to Nevers Fall and take a short, safe cliff‑jump spot if water levels permit. Return via the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail for a relaxed walk.
Evening: Sunset at Tunnel View for a classic view of the valley at dusk. Back to camp for a quiet night.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Tenaya Lake (parking at the lake’s main lot). Enjoy a gentle sunrise walk around the lake and a low‑cost paddle‑boarding or kayaking rental.
Afternoon: Head to the South Fork Merced River parking for a relaxing hike to the river’s headwaters. Picnic and possible wildlife sighting (deer, birds).
Evening: Sunset at Olmsted Point or return to North Camps for an easy evening. Optional stargazing from the riverbank.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Wawona and park at the Wawona Tunnel Tree trailhead. Hike the Wawona Tunnel Tree and nearby Grizzly Giant Loop Trail for giant sequoia sights.
Afternoon: Walk the Wawona Tunnel Tree trail and explore the historic Wawona Hotel for a cost‑friendly history stop. Return to camp for a rest.
Evening: Sunset at Olmsted Point again for a different angle, or enjoy the sunset from the campsite with a campfire.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up camp and drive to the Tioga Pass (parking at the Tioga Pass Visitor Center). Enjoy a short hike to Olmsted Point for a final sunrise.
Afternoon: Take a short loop on the Panorama Trail near Tioga for spectacular alpine views. Stop for a quick picnic before heading out.
Evening: Depart from the park with memories of sunrise at Glacier Point and sunset at Olmsted Point before returning home.
Find HotelsIf you want to extend the adventure, add an extra day at Tenaya Lake for extended kayaking or a second night camping at the Lake Campground. To shorten the trip, skip the Tiago Pass day and combine the Glacier Point sunrise with the Panorama Trail in one day, allowing a quicker return while still enjoying the major highlights.